Over 30,000 symbols later, the city of Yarrin is complete!

My Wonderdraft started lagging when I looked at this image.

Yeah I've faced some issues like that, when exporting this I crashed a couple times so it's been a frustrating experience :)

I have this issue too. I don't even have that many symbols on my map. Is there any way around this? Its frustrating because I have a very fast PC that can play the latest games on high settings.

Awesome map! I didn’t know you could actually make cities with Wonderdraft.

With your performance issues, perhaps send your file to the developer to use as a benchmark for future performance testing. I’ve written half a dozen apps over the years that customers flexed far harder than I thought to. More than once, I asked for their project files in order to spot performance leaks like memory or disk write issues.

Just a thought! Excellent work!

Nice to see fellow authors on here <3

What's your story about? How goes the writing? :D

S*** up and take my money!

How big is the population of this city and what is the name of the novel that you're planning? Love it btw :)

Thanks, I didn't want to do a massive lore-dump on my initial comment but here is the full description I have currently, It isn't polished fully but the main ideas are there:

Yarrin, a bustling hub of trade, religion and politics. Originally founded by the early Human arrivals to the land of Primor. This important settlement has grown for over a thousand years into the largest known city in the world. At first the settlement was a simple base for the Humans to live in and store their resources as they spread across the country. As they settled hundreds of villages and towns, the city became a place for leaders and traders to gather. Soon came the conflicts with the Elves, or as they were named by the Humans, the Wyld. This meant Yarrin became one of the few safe places for Humans and grew rapidly as a result.

It has seen intense conflict over the years, first with an early attack by the Elves using magic to destroy the primitive defences and leave the ruins of the first fort behind. The most devastating attack came during the last series of conflicts with the Elves where the entire Western region of the city was set alight and turned to rubble. The Humans recovered, and The Burning Gate and the village of Ember were rebuilt to once again protect the city. The Ash Tower was never rebuilt and stands as a constant reminder of the damage magic can bring. The city defences have improved with each attack, most recently the War of the Bay fought against the Liberty Privateers based very close to the capital. The city saw fighting on the coast and in the nearby waters, with hundreds of ships destroyed the war is the worst conflict since the Elves were defeated around 400 years ago.

Trade today includes many things, from crops and fish to gems and artefacts, the city offers all. Several markets are setup around the city which are always open while some regions offer a market day on the seventh day of the week- Silday. Thousands flock to the squares and busy streets to spend the little they have, while others seize the opportunity to steal from the rich Lords and Ladies that visit.

The city is the capital of Primor and houses the leadership, both King and Queen alongside many politicians and ministers responsible for everything from Law and Criminal Punishments to Fishing to Religion. Atop the Clifftops some of the most powerful and wealthy individuals in the world debate politics and set in motion hugely impacting policies behind closed doors and without the need or want for public approval.

Religion is a huge part of the Humans daily lives. The Sek is the church founded early on, with its origins based in the tribal beginnings of the Humans. The Frostkin who the Humans supposedly evolved from had ideas of Gods but the Humans formalised them into books and a church. The Favrus is the religious centre in the country and hosts huge gatherings each week on Godsday.

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I'll post the list of features in another comment

Main Features: (1)

· The Favrus- the centre of the religion that the Humans began and preach to all, The Sek. The large church, or Sekirke, was named after the father of the gods (Favrora). Thousands attend service every week on Godsday to pray, sing songs and listen to the stories of the holy books. There are many offices and worship rooms for Sekants to use for teaching and training. There are several classrooms where young children are given a basic education in three areas; Numerals, Upbringing and Religious studies. The first teaches children basics of counting and numbers. The second about jobs and professions they may pursue as well as law and order. The third is an extension of Godsday service and makes sure parables and the Holy Books are understood and appreciated.

· Gift of Aladria- supposedly made by the wife of Favrora to protect the Humans from the Damae who came before the races living today. A garden around the large silver bark tree is a popular place for followers of The Sek to pray and give offerings to the children of Favrora.

· The Sek Orphanage- A common building built alongside a Sekirke to look after orphans and homeless children until the age of 12 when they are no longer allowed to stay. Currently the orphanage houses over 400 children.

· Carpenter’s Row- one of the many places that have become famous for the abundance of shops providing similar services. Originally it was home to four brothers who each had a small shop to sell their crafted wooden goods, but demand became high during the expansion era for the Humans and many more carpenters and artisans started their shops nearby to try and poach customers. Now the street is one of the busiest in the city and home to well over thirty shops, growing well past their humble beginnings as carpenters.

· Six Smiths- This district of Yarrin was named for the intense competition between the six blacksmiths that started business there over 800 years ago. The shops have been passed on from smith to apprentice and the rivalry has continued. Brandon the blacksmith is seen by most as the most skilled and produces much jewellery and intricate items. Leyland is a weaponsmith only and is popular by the Knights of The House of Sirs. Jamie and Connor hate each other, and both produce armour and weapons while Bronn who is the eldest smith produces armour for the Royal Armoury. Finally, Ulfran the Dwarf, a rare thing to see outside of the mountain district. He took over from the blacksmith before him who died without an apprentice but was good friends with Ulfran and trusted him to continue it. Ulfran stays above the rivalries and petty squabbles and focusses on his materials. His Dwarven connections give him the one thing the other five don’t have- Dwarf Iron.

· Thief’s End- This large execution area houses gallows and a chopping block. Many lose hands for thievery while a few their heads for treason or other serious crimes. Most to die here are for murder, rape and blasphemy and face the hangman’s noose. Crowds gather on Crownsday to watch as the local criminals face the Lord’s Justice.

· The Stony Inn- this popular but rough tavern is the place to be for fencing stolen goods, finding someone who doesn’t want to be found or to get yourself into trouble. Guards avoid patrols here in return for bribes or out of fear, most patrons have been or are currently involved in crimes and wouldn’t think twice about killing a guard to stay out of Thief’s End.

· The Muddy Boot- This establishment, owned by two sisters Derry and Lailey, is the brothel to visit if coin is an issue. The service is often rude, and the so-called customers are more often desperate and poor than independent and wealthy.

· Squalors Square- a popular commoner’s market that hasn’t seen a lord or lady in years. This small area of stalls often sells stolen or damaged goods to those who can barely afford them. Guards don’t patrol here and so the vendors often are armed or pay for protection. Wealth here is a rare thing and so crime is very high.

· H.A Headquarters- The base of operations for the Human Alliance, a group dedicated to making Primor controlled by the Humans without Wyld, Dwarf or High Elf influence. They aim to, through sometimes illegal means, rid the land of those races. Guards have tried to get rid of the group before, but some Lords and ministers have secretly put their support behind the group and keep them going. The Headquarters is deep in The Shackles, one of the most dangerous districts in the city.

· Village of Ember- This addition to Yarrin was built around six hundred years ago as a trading post for farming goods coming in from the West. It was originally named Maor after the Goddess of new life Maora. Later it grew into a village that acted as an entrance to the capital and funnel for the large amount of imported food and resources. During the later conflicts with the Elves the village was destroyed almost completely along with the gate, renamed The Burning Gate and the tower renamed to The Ash Tower. After the Humans victory the village was rebuilt and renamed to pay tribute to the massive damage, some of which is still apparent today. The village has grown into an expansion of Yarrin rather than a separate settlement but still keeps its own Mayor and feeling of independence.

· The Smoulder Markets- A small market that is ran on Silday and provides a great chance for farmers to sell off their goods at a cheaper price away from the more expensive capital markets. One struggles to find rare and exotic items at this market, but this discourages crime and thieves from being active here.

· Golden Guild Royal Deposit- The home and large deposit of the Golden Guild, the massive economic power of the world. This originally Elvish group became more diverse and adaptable during and after the Elvish-Human conflict. Today they act as lenders, investors and often influencers in world politics. The King is the official leader of the Guild, an act of control made shortly after the Humans took power in Primor. Although the King has the final say on Guild matters there are so many elaborate and complicated parts to the group that no one can be quite sure where or how the money is being spent.

· The Ash Tower- This large tower stands a ruin at the site of the Elvish attack on Yarrin. Now it is unused except by children to play in and a few criminals on the run to hide away.

· The Ores- The Ores is the name given to the crater in The Mountain District that the Elves caused during The First War. The Dwarves, when they made their alliance with the Humans around two hundred years ago and became part of the city made sure they were allowed to mine the region around the crater. Many believe the Dwarves were desperate to mine in places where magic was used in major ways in the vain attempt to discover magic once again and make sure the Humans never got their hands on it.

· The Shattered Pick Tavern- This tavern is very popular with Dwarves and a few well-liked Humans. Ambassadors and labourers drink amongst each other at this homely and warm establishment.

· Ludrick’s Smithy- Ludrick is regarded as one of the best blacksmiths in the world outside of Northforge, he learnt from the great master smiths for decades and moved to Yarrin when the Dwarves came to Yarrin around two hundred years ago.

· Yinara the Tailor- This shop is one of the few in the city that is owned and ran by a women artisan. Yinara, a High Elf, opened shop around fifty years ago and has become a favourite for Lords and Ladies who don’t mind using a non-Human tailor. Most have got used to the High Elves, but the shop has faced some problems due to the H.A who have attacked the shop and tried to burn parts of it down. It is only because of the Dwarves protection that Yinara has managed to keep the shop going.

Main features (2)

· Aric’s Shop- This shop is one of the best places to buy goods directly from Northforge and Dwarves and Humans both enjoy the chance to do so. Gems, Dwarven inscribed toys and decorations and a small selection of weapons and armour imported in.

· Northforge Embassy- The Embassy is made up of a large council chamber with several offices and smaller meeting rooms attached. Ambassadors spend most of their time here or in the large complex of buildings- The Clifftops. There are around thirty diplomats and ambassadors who work here and many more clerks and aides.

· House of the Mountain- The House of the Mountain is the place of celebration and worship for the Dwarves religion. They give favour to the Mountains and those that created the world, similar to the Elves religion that worships and celebrates ancestors the Dwarves commemorate a more abstract version of Gods. The Humans allowed this house of worship within the city because the Dwarves were needed to help develop the city two hundred years ago and the religion does not explicitly go against The Sek.

· The Mountain District- The district was developed two hundred years ago when Yarrin was struggling to expand and survive. The Dwarves offered to build a sewer system, better gates and roads. They taught the Humans about housing and grew the city both out and up, rising houses beyond the Human limits of a few stories. Now houses go well above three and the castles and towers are stronger than ever. In return the Dwarves were given great trade links, a place in the city to live and work as well as the important site The Ores, where the Dwarves wanted to mine and quarry in the hopes of finding remnants of magic.

· House of Alchemists- The House of Alchemists is a large building that was once the site of research for the Humans to try and understand magic and how to fight it. Alchemy was the one area that Humans could take part in as it required no natural ability. After magic was lost by the Elves and the world grew to adapt the house kept its name but became a centre for research for all aspects of knowledge that The College didn’t want to be part of. Alchemy was no longer was practiced due to magic being lost but many still attempted it as well as blood magic, shadow forms and Damae worship. All those have since been outlawed but the house remained, proclaiming it was now a simple place of education about the old ways rather than a place to practice them.

· The Shard- The shard is another part of the agreement that the Dwarves made with the Humans two hundred years ago. The Humans had managed to salvage a piece of The Great Timekeeper and bring it back to Yarrin. The Dwarves took over the research project into it and began the long job of taking it apart as carefully as possible. In recent years the project has slowed down, and the Dwarves have hit a dead end. All the parts have been taken out, fixed and replaced but the shard does not function.

· The Harvest- The large market in the Farmers District is a collection point for the crops and animals coming in from the North and West. Hundreds of vendors sell here all week but especially on Silday. Dwarven guards are often asked to help manage the crowds but crime is rarely a problem here.

· Northwatch- This guard station and fort was built during the late days of the Elvish conflict and finished during the Northern war of Independence. The fort was designed in a more modern way than previous castles and has high thick walls with fewer towers, encouraging attackers to climb the walls, but higher levels of walls within offer a perfect vantage point to slaughter invaders as they summit.

· The Burnt man inn- This tavern and inn was founded recently by a farmer who inherited the building from his uncle. The uncle was a wealthy trader and used it as a warehouse. The farmer hated his uncle and was amused to find out he had died in a fire in the Farmers District. In a sick joke, the owner named the inn after his uncles’ demise.

· Shinra’s Wares- This shop is one of the few owned solely by a High Elf but is a popular place for those looking for the rare and mysterious. Shinra was a child during the early days of Human rule in Primor and is now almost 400 years old. She is one of the oldest known living Elves but continues to run the shop with the help of her nine sons.

· The College outpost- This large set of building acts as a recruitment and office space for the many Keepers and Clerks that work for The College. Students can study here instead of the College if they wish and have access to the Royal libraries if they do so.

· Explorer’s Guild complex- This large area of buildings is full of offices, homes and small warehouses that have become closer to museums. The finds of the explorers have been brought back and those that are not sold or given to noblemen are kept for teaching and to develop exhibits for members to view.

· Tom Onson’s Shop- Tom’s shop is a small but fantastic place where the rarest and most exotic items are found. Tom Onson was a member of the Explorer’s Guild for a long time but left over a dispute about stealing items from the guild. Since then Tom has travelled the world as he did before but instead he collects items and sells them to the wealthy who would usually not be able to get their hands on them.

· The Tossed Coin- A more respectable brothel that is popular with some of the more esteemed members of the city. The Brothel is owned by a High Elf Delus and operated by one of his employees, a human named Hertia.

· Tiberius’ Square- A beautiful and very old part of the city. The square was originally a guard’s house for people heading to The Clifftops. Several roads intersect here, and an area of trees, bushes and fountains decorate the region. A large decorative structure was built over the crossroads after King Tiberius died and the square was named after him.

· The Kingsgate- One of the most fortified gates in the city, this gate protects The Clifftops and the most important part of the city. Two large towers are constantly home to several guards and archers while the gate itself is made up of three parts. The first and third are large Direwood doors that swing out in each direction, and the middle gate is heavy portcullis that drops down. The walls here are extremely well maintained and strong, but even so a garrison of soldiers awaits within the city at all times.

· The North Docks- The North Docks are the main point for military ships to dock and face repairs or restocking. The larger naval frigates are able to come into the deep-water docks on the North side before heading off. The North docks are much quieter than the Southern ones and civilians are not allowed to roam freely here.

· The Wharf- This bustling set of docks reach far out into the calm Merchant’s Coast and offer a place for trading vessels and small civilian ships to dock while the passengers head ashore. Mostly made of long-lasting stone, The Wharf is always busy and guarded heavily as a result. During the night a few vessels may try to come into the city away from the watchful eye of the law, but a dedicated set of usually honest guards work against this.

· Yarri’s Market- The largest market in the city. It sprawls out from a central courtyard along many streets. Stands of all types can be found here, with many opting to sell at the larger marker than the smaller, specialised ones. The courtyard is where city officials and guards congregate before checking the stalls and goods. This market is the closest to the docks and so gets much of the fresh and newer produce from overseas.

· The Garden- One of the only public parks in the land is The Garden. It is an area of well looked after grass, trees and a small lake. The area is managed by the House of Sirs, the order of Knight. The park is one of the only places in the world where profit is not the goal, the knights who manage it enjoy gardening, fishing and horse riding as well as acting as guards if needed. Although crime in the park is rare due to the strict rules and usually high respect for the House of Sirs. Many celebrations and parties take place in the park with the permission of the House and are enjoyed by the common folk. Yet Royals, politicians and Lords often use The Garden as a place to relax instead of travelling to country estates and manor houses. It is a rare place where social and wealth classes come closer in a world built on division. An Eden for the thousands that enjoy warm evening strolls along the lake of Sir Laylen and brisk morning walks through the Woods of Sir Rodley (named for the two knights that founded the order).

Main features (3)

· House of Sirs- The oldest Human order in Primor. Founded by two of King Yarri’s men Laylen and Rodley during the early days of fighting the Elves, the Knights of Primor were trained to be elite fighters. At first, they were just better fighters than the rest but slowly during the war with the Elves they became something different. The king at the time gave them permission to act on his behalf across the land and officially named the order the House of Sirs. The name was chosen due to the fact that the House of Sirs is in a way a noble house, those who are knighted renounce previous titles and are only Knights and soldiers. Many become generals and trainers or commanders of city guards, but all swear to serve the king for life.

· Sirs District- A very well maintained and pretty district. Home to many knights, squires and slightly wealthier citizens. The district borders the poorer areas of Hangmans district and The Shackles but the quality of housing slowly shifts from the packed and squalid three-story houses to the nicer three and four story homes as one moves North.

· Wyldwatch- This large fort was built during the Elvish wars to help defend against an invasion from the North-East shore. It acts as a defence against ships as the fort has several trebuchets ready to fire off into the sea. The only way in is on the North side of the fort where a stone path leads up a ramp and into a set of large Direwood gates.

· The Pelts- This large market that is extremely busy during hunting season sells pelts, animals, furs and meat. All the treasures of hunters, gatherers and explorers can come here and be sold. The market never moved inside the city due to lack of space within.

· Leafbite Inn- The inn in Slugstown is always busy with hunters bragging about their hunts and explorers who have just returned from far off places. Trappers drink alongside gatherers as they rest before the next day of work.

· Slugstown- The region south of the city became known as Slugstown due to the granaries that were built there and the amount of blacktail slugs that were found eating the supplies of food. Since the slugs have become less of a problem but the name remains. It is not a wealthy area but has a few businesses and shops. Guards rarely venture into the streets as it requires them to venture through Hangmans district.

· House of Anceter- The Elvish house of worship. Originally the idea of letting the High Elves build a place that would compete with The Favrus caused outrage with the humans but King Polernius Thurin who was half High Elf managed to unite the people and compromise on a place of worship but outside the city gates. No housing was to be built around it and only High Elves were allowed within unless granted permission by the House. High Elves who still practice Anceter pay respect to their ancestors and hear stories of old. The Sek is involved in censoring certain stories and teachings however.

· The First Fort- This ruin of the first fort Yarrin had now stands as a memorial for the Wars that raged for centuries. The Elves destroyed the fort with magic and many still see it as a lesson in why magic is better off lost.

The Clifftops:

· Schoolhouse – The schoolhouse is an elite academy for young children of Lords and the King to ensure they are accepted into the college or are prepared for Court Life.

· Keep Anterius – This keep is the first you reach as you enter the area and was built by King Anterius. Its purpose is defence and housing the guards.

· Hinterius’ Palace – The main palace of the royal family and where the throne room is. The palace was rebuilt and expanded then renamed after the war with the Elves. It is a large building with chambers and meeting rooms for all the many people who live there.

· The Council rooms – There are several meeting rooms for ministers and councilmen to discuss policy, arrange laws and debate. Attached are offices for all city officials, lawmakers and advisers.

· The Court – A large room attached to Hinterius’ Palace. It is where the King and the Council meet, it has a large table that runs from the King’s seat to the wall and all city officials, advisers, Lords and Councilmen that attend fight for seats close to the King.

· The Aide’s Tower – This Is the home and office of the Aide to the King, the adviser chosen by the King. They are the most trusted and most important person aside from the King and act on his behalf when he is not there.

· The Tower of the Prince – The home of the heir to the throne and the King’s family, it is a luxurious tower with chambers for all members.

· The Queens tower – The tower is for visitors to the city who are important guests of the king. The tower was originally for the Royal family but The tower of the prince was built along with Kings manor in the countryside.

· The Rholas Fort – The large fort near Hinterius’ Palace is home to the Rholas, the elite Royal guard. All of whom are knights and have now become high ranking military leaders or guards. They form most of the war council and are the main protectors of the Royal family and high-ranking officials.

· The Royal Sekirke – A small Sekirke for the personal use of the King and his family, along with a select few individuals.

Wow. Ask and you shall receive. This is very cool.

A novel I'm writing, although If I ever get back in DMing DnD with my old group I'm totally using this :)

Funnily enough, it's a set called "Houses- Paintable", but I have just used unpainted symbols and for almost all houses it is the "crate" symbol. The houses were all too big I felt but I have used them (the Trade hall for example). Thanks for the comment!

I use Mythkeeper for my assets, its really nice to download new sets and manage them. I also have the premium buildings pack for the different races (an official set you can buy) which I used alot.

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I think the walls are from something just called "Stone walls", same with "wood(en) walls"

Thanks, I've tried to have enough detail to make it feel real and exactly as you said, a character could stroll in a it would seem like a living, vibrant city.

Thanks!

Dont worry that's on my todo list :)

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Thanks all these amazingly nice comments mean so much to me and really motivate me to keep putting in the effort, I really enjoy mapmaking and fantasy writing so it's amazing to see the reaction

This one is about 20mb but I have higher res ones

Crates from an asset set called houses-paintable

Thanks I'm really proud of the result

Thanks I got a bit addicted to this project recently